The Wonders of Jennings Dining Hall

Author: Haley Pitre
Posted on July 6, 2022

Going from the comfort of home-cooked meals to the setting of a university dining hall can be scary. Although dining halls are intimidating and tend to get a bad rep, Jennings Dining Hall has defining features that set it above your average “cafeteria.” With extensive hours and a wide variety of cuisines, the dining hall should be the least of your concerns during your transition to Mount Allison.

There are several dishes that Jennings Dining Hall serves that are delicious, but here is a list of my favourites to give you an idea of what some of the many options are. One feature I love about our dining hall is that the menu for each day is posted on their Twitter account (@MTADining).

As a dining hall connoisseur, I’m here to tell you about the food you should keep an eye out for when it appears on the menu!

1. Pierogies – I have to talk about this one first, as it is my all-time favourite food at the dining hall. I will NEVER miss a pierogi day. Sometimes making an appearance at lunch or at late-night, pierogies are filled with cheesy potatoes and served with bacon, onions, cheese, cream cheese, and salsa. 
2. Bacon Squash Gnocchi – Before living in residence, I rarely ate squash. Now, some of my favourite dishes at the dining hall include squash, as Jennings takes a unique approach to the unlikely vegetable. The bacon squash gnocchi is exactly what it sounds like, gnocchi with bacon, squash, and sometimes, kale. Words cannot do this one justice; you will simply have to try it for yourself!
3. Squash Mac and Cheese – Squash makes an appearance again on this list, surprisingly! The squash mac and cheese is a dish that is raved about amongst the Mount Allison community. At first, I too was apprehensive, but I would now argue that squash mac and cheese is just as good (and sometimes even better) than regular mac and cheese!
4. Chicken Burgers & Cheeseburgers – A take on the classics, the dining hall’s interpretation of good ole’ burgers and fries is a favourite among the students.
5. Chicken Broccoli Alfredo - The dining hall serves many different types of pastas with varying delicious sauces, but the classic chicken alfredo is one of my favourites.
6. Fish & Chips – You can expect the line to be a little longer on fish & chips days, as students love the homemade battered haddock! Served with Jennings famous fries and delicious tartar sauce.
7. Stir Fry Station – The Stir Fry station is available every day, and the meat selection differs each day between chicken, beef, pork, and shrimp! There is a large variety of veggies you can include, and it can be served on either rice or noodles. There are also a few choices of sauces. This is a very good and reliable option, my favourite meat being the chicken.
8. Butter Chicken – Being exposed to a large variety of cuisines at Jennings Dining Hall has allowed me to try many new foods, including butter chicken! On days when this is served, I often find myself going up for seconds!
9. Coffee Bar – The coffee bar is a rare treat you can indulge in if you find yourself in the mood to wake up early enough to catch breakfast on a weekday! Choose from a wide variety of specialty drinks, my personal favourite is the mocha.
10. Lasagna – Oven baked and smothered in cheese; a lasagna day is always a good day! Served with garlic bread, the lasagna is a must-have at the dining hall.

Although I spoke mostly about main dishes, it is important to note that the dessert selection is extensive as well. As honourable mentions, I want to shout-out the ice cream and the cookies.

This list is a compilation of my favourites, but Jennings Dining Hall has so much more to offer beyond it as well! I am so thankful for the wide-variety of food available to choose from. With Jennings Dining Hall, you never have to worry about food while juggling student life!